Saturday, 24 November 2012

The UN annual mega beach party about to begin in Doha: Locals urged to stay away from waterfront promenade

"The Corniche offers an unrivalled view of the city, particularly at sunset where Doha’s glittering skyline seemingly melts into water under the setting sun." (image by wikipedia)

The annualUN mega beach party is due to open on Monday in Doha. Having looked at what has happened in the previous COP gatherings, the Qatari organizers have made the necessary preparations: Locals are asked to stay away from the Corniche, Doha's waterfront promenade, which is reserved for the beach party:"We would ask everyone to carefully plan their journeys and try to avoid the busiest areas if possible. These will be around the QNCC, the DEC [Doha Exhibition Centre] and the Corniche," Alanoud Al-Meghaisib, the head of the Accommodation, Transport and Volunteers department of the Organising Sub-Committee for COP18/CMP8.PSThe organizers also expect that the non sinking Pearl island will be a huge success among the more discerning COP climate tourists delegates:

"Built on top of an old pearl diving site, this luxury development on the edge of Doha is set on an artificial island shaped like a string of pearls.

With a selection of award-winning international restaurants and cafes, most with outside seating and marina views, it is a popular place to meet friends for a meal.

The walkway around the Porto Arabia marina is always lively, with people taking an after-dinner stroll alongside the mega-yachts, or visiting the luxury clothing stores."

For the more adventurous, there is this option:

For the more adventurous, a trip to the inland sea – Khor Al-Adaid – should not be missed. To reach this large saltwater inlet, you must navigate 130ft dunes in a journey that is not for the faint-hearted. On reaching the natural wonder of the inland sea, you can swim in the warm waters and view the Saudi Arabia border. Trips, which can last for a half day, full day or can include a night at a traditional Bedouin camp, can be organised via tour operators.

A visit to the the local "Ascot", the Al-Shahaniya camel racing stadium, is also expected to be a hit among the delegates:During the winter racing season, locals gather regularly to watch the camels as they hurtle along the purpose-built stadium at speeds of up to 40kmph. Drive out to Al Shahaniya, about 60km west of the city, to visit the stables and watch the camels train, or join the locals on race day as they drive alongside the track, cheering on thecamels, which are ridden by radio-controlled robot jockeys.